Advice needed before I do something really stupid

[Zaph0dd]

I have been considering cleaning up my first owl, ive had it for 15 years and so far have resisted doing anything.

I am totally without any experience toward cleaning anything properly (last coins I cleaned have just now regained a tone, 30 years later, thankfully they were only Victorian pennys and brasso wasnt kind...)

Its quite a robust coin, but its very blotchy, the brown/darker areas are quite hard, and I certainly dont wish to damage it.

What would be best suggested to clear it up slightly, without resorting to a belt sander?


I cannot help but think theres so much more detail hidden under than crud.

[Jay GT4]

 I would leave it.  It took 2500 years to look like that and personally I love the "as found" look.  You can find nice and shiny owls all day long, not many look like yours.  Just my opinion.  If you must clean it then I would suggest short lemon juice soaks and don't forget to rinse with Distilled Water after each soak. 

[stlnats]

I would leave it.  It took 2500 years to look like that and personally I love the "as found" look.  You can find nice and shiny owls all day long, not many look like yours.  Just my opinion. 

+1  A very pretty and visually interesting coin as she sits.

 

[Jay GT4]

Better yet, I'll trade you my shiny owl for yours

[Lee S]

I have to agree with the guys... ( and I usually love shiny!! )

  The coin is perfect the way it is!!! 

[areich]

There are more than enough overcleaned owls around. If you like your coins shiny, which is your right, you should try to trade or sell this one and buy a shiny coin. As it is, it is special (not one of a kind special, but still) and there are collectors who will apreciate it in this condition.

[Rich Beale]

Your coin has lots of silver chloride coating the surface. Lemon juice won't shift that anyway.

It's better to leave it as is rather than potentially ruin it.

[Zaph0dd]

Thank you all for the feedback.

I do have other owls, and they are all mostly horrible shiny.

I do prefer darker toned silver, it was the unevenness that was putting me off slightly.

This one however, its execution has been halted, she stays as is.

[stlnats]

Thank you all for the feedback.

I do have other owls, and they are all mostly horrible shiny.

I do prefer darker toned silver, it was the unevenness that was putting me off slightly.

This one however, its execution has been halted, she stays as is.

Yea!

 

[Lee S]

 

Thank you all for the feedback.

I do have other owls, and they are all mostly horrible shiny.

I do prefer darker toned silver, it was the unevenness that was putting me off slightly.

This one however, its execution has been halted, she stays as is.